The Queen is a renowned horsewoman, so what better way to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee year than by taking part in two very special tours, put together for H&H readers courtesy of Connoisseur Club
Tour one Royal Windsor and the spectacular Diamond Jubilee Pageant. Five days from £749pp*, 7-11 May 2012
This unmissable tour features ringside seats at the Diamond Jubilee Pageant, held in The Queen’s “back garden” at Home Park.
Day 1 – Monday, 7 May
Travel by rail to Windsor and transfer to Savill Court Hotel, a country house hotel set in 22 acres of gardens. Enjoy a champagne reception with fellow guests.
Day 2 – Tuesday, 8 May
Enjoy a trip to Highclere Castle, famous as the setting for TV’s Downton Abbey and home to the 8th Earl of Caernarvon. The 7th Earl of Caernarvon was The Queen’s racing manager for many years and one of her closest friends.
Day 3 – Wednesday, 9 May
Visit the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in the morning and Eton College in the afternoon. Both Princes William and Harry attended these prestigious institutions.
Day 4 – Thursday, 10 May
Start the day at Savill Garden, one of Britain’s finest ornamental gardens, before heading off to the Royal Windsor Horse Show for the afternoon. Relax back at Savill Court before a pre-performance dinner and the spectacular Diamond Jubilee Pageant, the first major event of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Day 5 – Friday, 11 May
A real treat is in store today with a visit to the restored State Rooms at Windsor Castle, The Queen’s favourite royal residence. Depart for home at 2pm.
Price includes: Four-night stay at Savill Court, including English breakfast and welcome dinner, pre-performance dinner with ringside seats for the Diamond Jubilee Pageant, visits as scheduled and standard return UK rail travel to Windsor Central. Single supplement £30pn.
Tour Two Royal Cotswolds, Highgrove and Gatcombe. Four days from £584pp*, 10-13 July 2012
With the Princess Royal living at Gatcombe and Prince Charles at Highgrove, the royal triangle between Tetbury and Stroud is one of the most fashionable areas of the Cotswolds.
Day 1 – Tuesday, 10 July
Travel by rail to Stroud and transfer by coach to Tetbury. Enjoy a Pimm’s reception in the evening, followed by a “Taste of the Cotswolds” dinner.
Day 2 – Wednesday, 11 July
Start the day at the beautiful pleasure gardens at Westonbirt House, which has a rich royal history. Spend the afternoon in Tetbury, a foodie’s paradise, before heading to Highgrove, home of Prince Charles. Our tour, taking in his 15-acre garden, created over the last 30 years, is followed by a champagne supper.
Day 3 – Thursday, 12 July
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Agricultural College, which was granted Royal Charter in 1845. Take lunch in the 16th century Bathurst Wing before heading to historic Cirencester for the afternoon.
Day 4 – Friday, 13 July
Spend your final day at the Festival of British Eventing at beautiful Gatcombe Park, the home of the Princess Royal. Return to Stroud station by 3.30pm.
Price includes: Three-night stay at the Hare and Hounds, including English breakfast and two dinners, champagne tour of Highgrove and lunch at the Royal Agricultural College, visits by coach with all admission and donations and standard return UK rail travel to Stroud. Single supplement £35pn.
How to book
Book now on 01756 710500, quoting code XHH3, or visit www.connoisseurclub.org.uk for more information. More great deals available at www.horseandhound.co.uk/shop
Terms and conditions
Holidays organised by Connoisseur Club, Farfield Hall, Addingham LS29 0RQ; subject to availability. *Prices are all per person, based on two sharing a twin room. A deposit of £150pp is payable to reserve your place. A detailed itinerary will be sent with your confirmation of booking. Instead of using the train to join a tour, drive and save £50. Offer ends 5 July 2012.
